Chinese construction firm CGGC opens shop in Nigeria

One of the Chinese construction giants, China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC), has opened its North-West Africa headquarters in Abuja, in what is described as a major fillip to the Federal Government’s drive for foreign investment.

The regional headquarters, meant to cover about 18 African countries (eight in Central Africa, seven in West and three in North), will serve as a semi-independent branch with power to take certain decisions without first seeking authorisation from the China-based parent company.

CGGC President Lyu Zexiang said this in Abuja while speaking at the launch of the headquarters on October 26.

Zexiang said his company’s decision to site a major headquarters in Nigeria was informed by its confidence in the nation’s economy’s growth potentials.

He said his company, which is coordinating the construction of the multi-billion dollars Mambilla Power Project, will ensure its prompt completion with its best expertise and materials.

He said CGGC was also planning to increase current local personnel strength of 5,000 to 20,000 within the next three years in the North-West region of the continent.

Minister of State for Power Mustapha Shehuri said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that the 3000mw Mambilla Power project was completed and deliver at record time. He said the government has authorised all its relevant agencies and ministries to provide all necessary supports for the successful execution of the project.

“This project will cost about $6billion. It is being executed with 85 per cent loan from Chinese Export/Import Bank, while the Nigerian government is providing the remaining 15 per cent funding. We understand its importance for the nation’s energy requirement and by extension, the development of the economy. That is why the government is determined to ensure its prompt execution,” Shehuri said.

An indigenous expert, Mohammed Mustapha of Hypertech Nigeria Limited, who is the project’s development consultant, said his main brief is to coordinate the local content input for the project.

“This is an opportunity for Nigerian companies with the requisite expertise to tap into the huge business opportunity provided by this project. As a Nigeria, I am looking forward to having many Nigerian companies participate in this huge project.

“I am leaving the door open to local companies with the requisite expertise to come on board. This is a challenge to everyone to come in and trade his/her expertise for profitable return. We are not limiting it to any particular part of the country or class. This is an opportunity for all Nigerians,” Mustapha said.